Abbott Laboratories Corporation

Richard D Wynkoop

Sheldon M Wecker

John E Ogden

A method of testing a pumping system including a pump cassette effects pressurization of the system, with subsequent monitoring of any pressure loss in the system. This is achieved by closing any inlets and outlets of the cassette, and thereafter over-pressurizing the cassette beyond its normal operating range. Pressure measurements are taken before and after a specified time interval, with any significant pressure loss indicating system leakage. In the preferred practice, the diaphragm of the pump cassette is first subjected to cold flow, or 'creep', thereby minimizing the influence of cold flow of the diaphragm on subsequent pressure measurement.

Method of testing for leakage in a solution pumping system

A method of detecting occlusions in a solution pumping system includes monitoring and analyzing pressures within the system during selected portions of a pumping cycle. The pumping system of the illustrated embodiment includes a positive displacement pump operated by a reciprocable pump piston, with analysis of pressures within the system identifying those conditions which reflect the presence of an occlusion either upstream or downstream of the positive displacement pump. A suitable signal or alarm can then be activated to alert operating personnel.

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Des Plaines, IL, United States of America

Richard D Wynkoop